Base layer protocols

Base layer protocols are the peer-to-peer networks which form the basis of the decentralized web. These base protocols are typically blockchains with an associated cryptocurrency coin secured by a consensus protocol where participants in the network decide collectively on the addition of new blocks to the blockchain ledger.

Currencies

Cryptocurrencies with the primary intention of a decentralized currency replacement to traditional fiat currencies by being a store of value, a unit of account, or a medium of exchange.

Smart contract platforms

Platforms for decentralized applications allowing for the execution of code on the blockchain in the form of smart contracts. These platforms allow for more generalized logic to be coded on the blockchain enabling a broad range of web 3.0 decentralized applications.

Distributed ledgers (non blockchain)

A class of distributed ledgers whose structure does not rely blocks of transactions but rather other architectures like a directed acyclic graph. These alternate ledgers have different security, scalability, and consensus properties from blockchain technologies.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure comprises the development stack for building decentralized applications. These are protocols and tools that may connect and support applications and other protocols in a variety of ways.

Interoperability

Interoperability protocols allow for communication of state, data, or value transfer between different blockchains.

VPN

Value Exchange

Projects creating marketplaces or frameworks for peer to peer value exchange without a centralized intermediary. Projects in these categories often have what are considered utility tokens, which represent future access to a service.

Mesh networking

Social

Decentralized social networks, communication tools, and social related applications built using blockchain technology. These projects employ a variety of differentiators from traditional social networks involving data privacy, monetary incentives, and more.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) or non-custodial relayers

A decentralized cryptocurrency exchange is an exchange market that utilizes blockchain or another decentralized technology to enable peer to peer transfer of digital assets without reliance on a trusted third party to hold funds.